There’s an undeniable thrill in unwrapping a brand-new board game – the fresh scent of cardboard, the tactile excitement of assembling tokens, and the anticipation of discovering innovative mechanics. At PlinPlaGame, we are privileged to preview many of the industry’s most exciting releases, and we’re here to share our first impressions with you.

In this unboxing feature, we take a detailed look at five standout new board games that have recently arrived at our Madrid studio, including our special edition of Plinko. We examine component quality, clarity of the rulebook, initial gameplay impressions, and who would most enjoy each game.

1. Plinko: Cosmic Edition

We begin with our own release, the Cosmic Edition, which takes the classic Plinko experience into outer space with a dazzling, space-themed redesign and expanded gameplay mechanics.

Box Contents:

  • 1 custom cosmic Plinko board with LED lighting
  • 75 planet-themed discs in 5 colors
  • 35 cosmic event cards
  • 20 wormhole tokens
  • 5 player dashboards
  • 1 comprehensive rulebook covering solo, standard, and advanced modes

First Impressions:

The premium build quality immediately stands out, with the illuminated board creating an eye-catching presence, especially in dim settings. The planet-themed discs are intricately designed, and the new cosmic event cards inject a refreshing unpredictability into gameplay.

The standout feature is the wormhole system, which offers the chance for discs to teleport across the board, introducing an element of surprise and strategic planning. The solo mode is particularly engaging, offering a challenging experience that captures the essence of multiplayer play.

Who Will Enjoy It:

Perfect for dedicated Plinko fans looking to elevate their experience, as well as sci-fi enthusiasts drawn to the cosmic theme. The adjustable difficulty and multiple game modes make it ideal for both casual players and hardcore gamers.

2. Verdant Kingdoms

This competitive territory-building game, designed by Sophia Chen, has garnered attention since its successful Kickstarter campaign. It offers a blend of spatial strategy and resource management.

Box Contents:

  • 1 central game board
  • 180 beautifully illustrated terrain tiles
  • 5 player castles with matching meeples
  • 60 resource tokens
  • 25 royal decree cards
  • 12 season tiles
  • A detailed rulebook including a tutorial scenario

First Impressions:

Verdant Kingdoms impresses with its superior component quality, vibrant terrain tiles, and clear, detailed rulebook that eases players into the gameplay. The game’s seasonal mechanics, which alter terrain yields, add a dynamic twist that requires strategic adaptation.

Who It’s For:

Ideal for strategy enthusiasts who enjoy medium-weight games with a minimal element of luck. It shines with 3-4 players and offers engaging gameplay in approximately 75-90 minutes.

3. Merchants of the Dark Road

This anticipated title from Elf Creek Games merges pick-up-and-deliver mechanics with worker placement in a richly atmospheric setting.

Box Contents:

  • 1 main board featuring a day/night track
  • 5 merchant wagons with storage compartments
  • 120 various goods tokens
  • 75 cards (including contracts, items, encounters)
  • 25 lantern dice
  • 40 coin tokens
  • An illustrated rulebook

First Impressions:

The dark fantasy artwork sets an immersive tone, and the innovative day/night cycle—where sections of the board flip to indicate time changes—introduces unique gameplay dynamics. The lantern dice add an element of risk, requiring players to balance caution with bold moves.

Who It’s For:

Fans of thematic euro games who enjoy rich storytelling and strategic decisions will find Merchants of the Dark Road particularly compelling. Its medium-heavy gameplay is best suited for experienced players.

4. Wavelength: Second Edition

This updated version of the popular party game Wavelength introduces new categories and components while retaining the core, engaging mechanics.

Box Contents:

  • A redesigned wavelength dial
  • 4 team markers
  • 100 new spectrum cards featuring 200 concepts
  • 30 point tokens
  • A new rules booklet

First Impressions:

The revamped dial offers smoother functionality and improved durability. The new spectrum cards spark lively discussions and present a balanced challenge. Wavelength continues to deliver a fun, social gameplay experience that stimulates both conversation and competition.

Who It’s For:

Wavelength remains a top choice for mixed groups and party settings, engaging both gamers and non-gamers alike with its approachable yet thought-provoking mechanics.

5. Cartographers: Collectors Edition

This premium version of the beloved flip-and-write game Cartographers comes complete with all expansions and upgraded components.

Box Contents:

  • 6 double-sided dry-erase map boards
  • 8 premium dry-erase markers
  • A leatherette map case
  • 100 terrain cards (base game plus expansions)
  • 25 ambush cards
  • 24 scoring cards
  • 6 hero cards
  • A comprehensive rulebook with all expansions

First Impressions:

The component upgrades are substantial, with the dry-erase boards offering a high-quality feel. The leatherette case enhances the thematic experience, immersing players in the role of intrepid cartographers mapping new territories.

Including all expansions provides exceptional value and variety, ensuring endless combinations and high replayability. The reusable dry-erase format also contributes to an eco-friendly gaming option.

Who It’s For:

Ideal for devoted Cartographers fans seeking the definitive version, as well as newcomers desiring a premium introduction to the flip-and-write genre. Suitable for solo play or groups, with a typical game duration of 30-45 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This unboxing event highlights the diversity and creativity fueling today’s board game market. From the strategic depth of Verdant Kingdoms to the lively social dynamics of Wavelength, there’s a game for every type of enthusiast.

Our favorite remains Plinko: Cosmic Edition—a culmination of months of design and testing, offering an exciting evolution of our flagship game. Its illuminated board has become a centerpiece at game nights, challenging even the most seasoned players.

If you’re curious about these releases, visit our Madrid studio for demo sessions. Our expert staff is ready to guide you through the rules and help you choose your next favorite game.

Which new release are you most excited about this season? Share your thoughts in the comments below!